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Hybrid Model: A Tool for Combining Fault and Area Sources in Seismic Hazard Assessment

Description: 

We present an update to the methodology proposed by Rivas-Medinas et al. (2018) for combining fault and zone sources in seismic hazard calculations. Initially, the method distributed the seismic potential of the region between the zone and faults based on observed seismicity (seismic catalog) within a range of minimum magnitude (M_min) to maximum completeness magnitude (MMC). The expert had to predefine MMC and the maximum magnitude for the zone (M_{max zone}), significantly influencing the method's solution for distribution. This made the method applicable only to faults with low slip rates (slow faults), as high slip-rate faults (fast faults) led to inconsistent results. To solve this, the hybrid method has been enhanced through an iterative process, aiming to assist the expert in reducing decision-making in key parameters for seismic source characterization (e.g., MMC magnitude, M_{max zone} magnitude, fault b-value, zone b-value).

For this purpose, a tool has been developed using R-studio and Python programming languages, featuring a user-friendly interface for ease of use and comprehension. As a result, a set of possible solutions is provided, displaying different combinations in which the magnitude-frequency distribution (MFD) model can be adopted to maintain system balance, and distribution is carried out as specified by the user in input parameters. The user must analyze and choose one or more combinations that suit the tectonic conditions of the region. Once done, the program allows graphing the MFD of all selected solutions and generates source parameters for seismic hazard calculations [e.g., beta (β), b-value, a-value, cumulative seismic rate (Ṅ_(m))]. Two application cases are presented: one in the southeast of Spain with slow fault systems and another in Guatemala where faults are fast due to the interaction of the North American and Caribbean plates.

Session: Learning Across Geological, Geophysical & Model-Derived Observations to Constrain Earthquake Behavior [Poster Session]

Type: Poster

Date: 5/1/2024

Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Carlos

Student Presenter: Yes

Invited Presentation: 

Authors